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Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves says Neymar had to get out of Lionel Messi's shadow

Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves has finally opened up about Neymar's acrimonious world-record transfer from FC Barcelona in the off-season and the logic behind leaving the LaLiga giants.

With PSG far behind the Blaugrana in terms of history and silverware, Neymar's decision to make the £200m (R3.3b) move to Paris was questioned by fans and media alike.

However, his close friend and international teammate revealed it was necessary for the 26-year-old to forge his own path in order to take his development the next level.

"I think he's up there with Messi as the most influential player in world football. The thing is, he had to come out of his shadow a little," he told FIFA's official website.

"Playing with someone as unique as Leo is the most incredible thing that can happen to you but there's always that doubt in your mind if it's you that really has the quality - or if it's him.

"I think you've got a better chance of achieving things individually when you're not so close to a player like him. It was important for Ney's own development and for Brazil for him to follow his own path."

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